Why We Should Live Properly: A Quranic Perspective

Living a proper life is a concept deeply embedded in the teachings of the Quran. The Quran provides a comprehensive guide on how to lead a life that is not only pleasing to Allah but also beneficial to oneself and to society. This blog will explore various Quranic verses and principles that emphasize the importance of living a proper, righteous, and balanced life.

1. Purpose of Life

The Quran clearly states the purpose of human existence. In Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:56), Allah says:

> "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."

This verse highlights that our primary purpose is to worship Allah. Living properly means aligning our actions and lifestyle with this divine purpose. Worship in Islam is not limited to rituals; it encompasses every aspect of life, including how we interact with others, conduct business, and care for the environment.

2. Moral and Ethical Conduct

The Quran provides a detailed ethical framework for human conduct. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah outlines the characteristics of righteousness:

> "Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous."

This verse emphasizes the importance of faith, charity, honesty, patience, and fulfilling promises. These moral and ethical principles form the foundation of a proper life.

3. Justice and Fairness

Living properly also means upholding justice and fairness in all dealings. The Quran repeatedly calls for justice. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah commands:

> "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted."

Justice is a cornerstone of a well-ordered society and a proper life. This verse highlights that justice should be upheld even when it is against personal interests or those of loved ones.

4. Compassion and Kindness

The Quran emphasizes the importance of compassion and kindness towards others. In Surah An-Nahl (16:90), Allah says:

> "Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded."

This verse encourages believers to act with good conduct and to help their relatives, while also warning against immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. Compassion and kindness are essential components of a proper life.

5. Balance and Moderation

Islam advocates for a balanced and moderate lifestyle. In Surah Al-Furqan (25:67), Allah describes the servants of the Most Merciful:

> "And those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate."

Moderation in spending and in all aspects of life ensures that we do not fall into the extremes of extravagance or stinginess. A balanced life is key to maintaining harmony and well-being.

6. Personal Accountability

The Quran teaches that every individual is accountable for their actions. In Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:7-8), Allah says:

> "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it."

This accountability encourages individuals to live properly, knowing that every action, no matter how small, will be judged by Allah.

Conclusion

Living properly from a Quranic perspective means adhering to the principles of worship, moral and ethical conduct, justice, compassion, balance, and personal accountability. The Quran provides a comprehensive guide to a life that is not only spiritually fulfilling but also socially responsible and personally rewarding. By following these divine teachings, we can achieve a life that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to ourselves and those around us.